Chief Medical Adviser RLSS UK Honorary Medical Adviser ILSE

Self-instruction in basic life support (BLS), using a video and training manikin, has been shown to be at least as effective as instructor-led training. It appears that the video can be a short, simple demonstration. It may even be possible to become competent in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) without practice on a manikin, but this is not yet proven. Competency in the use of an AED seems feasible by self-training using a poster and practice on a manikin alone, at least if the trainee is a healthcare professional already competent in BLS. There are several advantages of self-instruction, including cost-effectiveness and flexibility. There are, however, several unanswered questions before its precise place in resuscitation training can be established